Boscia Revitalizing Black Hydration Gel

When almost all of my skincare products ran out last November, I had a series of huge Sephora orders and purchases.  One of the items that I ordered from their website was the brand new face cream from Bosica, the Revitalizing Black Hydration Gel.  I believe that Kose was the first skincare line to use black tints in their products and about a year ago, I saw that Boscia was following suit.  The original black mask from Boscia must have done very weel for the company since over the past few months, a whole facial line of black products have emerged, with the face gel being the latest one.

I should have bought this product in the summer, I wanted to it so bad when it came out and then when I bought it, I realized that I wasn't thinking and that I bought a face gel for the winter (not the greatest idea for my skin).  I used it a few times in early November and really liked it but by the beginning of December, my skin was too dry for it to provide full hydration.  Needless to say, I have put this product aside for the moment and plan to start using it again in May. 

Sephora gives a full product description of the product.  "A cooling moisturizer with an ultra-light gel texture.  This hydrating gel refines skin texture and brightens and clarifies the complexion while minimizing the look of pores, both instantly and over time.  This gel contains a range of powerful ingredients.  Artichoke leaf extract improves elasticity to help tighten pore walls.  Charcoal absorbs excess oil and impurities as it detoxifies.  Glycolic acid helps clarify skin and smooth rough texture.  Vitamin C helps brighten skintone and minimize fine lines as it defends from free radical damage." 

This product is housed in what is now my favorite type of container.  I first ran into this type of container when I used Kate Somerville face products and I am glad that other companies are beginning to adopt this type of packaging.  Instead of dipping my fingers into the jar, there is a top on the jar that is pushed down and automatcially dispenses the perfect amount of product to use all over my fave.  This is great for products that contain Vitamin C or any other type of natural or organic ingredient since it helps to keep the formula stable and will allow it to last longer.  When products with this type of formulation are exposed to the air, they begin to degrade and breakdown very quickly, rendering the product useless after several months time.  I hope this is where the packaging industry is going to go over the next few years...

The product itself is a lightweight gel with a black tint and a bit of gold shimmer in the formula.  The formula absorbed quickly and easily into my skin, with no residue left at the end.  It leaves a bit of a tingling feeling after application and this didn't bother me the first few times that I used it but began to as my skin got drier and drier as the weather changes.  It left my skin soft and smooth, no complaints there but this formula just isn't enough in the winter months.  It helped to brighten and clarify my skin, applying this over Clarin Vital Light Serum enhanced that formula and really lit up my skin. 

This gel is best for warmer weather months for me, I am just putting it to the side at the moment since I need a stronger face cream.  I could see this product working very well year round for someone with normal or oily skin and I would recommend to anyone with one of these types of skin.

photo courtesy of Boscia